KENILWORTH – Wellington North council has approved the township’s 2026 budget, including a tax levy increase of 3.16%.
This means the owner of a typical single-family home assessed at $271,636, will pay about $47 in township taxes next year.
The 2026 budget was passed on Dec. 15 without discussion.
It totals nearly $26 million, with about $10 million in operating expenses, $6.6 million in transfers to reserves, $565,000 in debt payments and capital costs of $8.7 million.
“This budget demonstrates our dedication to delivering the essential, high-quality services our residents depend on while meeting the growing infrastructure demands of our community,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
“Even with the pressures of inflation, we have carefully prioritized resources to promote sustainable growth and development.
“I’m confident these investments will improve residents’ quality of life and foster Wellington North’s continued success.”
Of the operating budget:
- $7.5 million goes to salaries, wages and employee benefits;
- $4.3 million to materials, supplies and equipment;
- $2.9 million to contracted services;
- $749,000 is for internal charges;
- $741,000 is for rents, insurance and financial expenses; and
- $358,000 is for external transfers.
Big-ticket items in the capital budget include:
- $2,662,280 for the reconstruction of Clarke Street, between Smith and Walton (Arthur);
- $1,405,878 for asphalt resurfacing;
- $790,000 for a new road grader;
- $585,335 for linear water and wastewater projects in Arthur and Mount Forest;
- $375,150 for the potential demolition of former Sacred Heart Catholic School in Kenilworth;
- $350,000 for the Mount Forest outdoor pool construction levy;
- $275,000 for a new backhoe;
- $240,012 for a sidewalk program;
- $185,000 for two pick up trucks and an SUV;
- $173,800 for IT projects;
- $100,000 for watermain valve and fire hydrant replacement;
- $100,000 for reconstruction design of Cork Street (Mount Forest);
- $86,300 for upgrades to Mount Forest cemetery grounds and equipment;
- $75,000 for a recreation master plan update; and
- $62,000 for a new score clock in the Arthur Arena.
